Fellow pilots.
As one who has rented for all of his flying life (38 years), I've come to the realization that owning my own is far better than having a wand drug around my britches prior to boarding a commercial flight. Renting has become more expensive than it used to be, as the Skylane RGs I used to fly for $52.00 are now $180.00.
My needs are quite simple, but I refuse to buy 4 seats, one of which is more for ornamental purposes on most planes than for a fourth person. I must have a complete four place plane~!
Briefly, I'm looking at various planes, including the Skylane RG, Cardinal RG (refer to the ornamental seat comment), and older Debonairs.
I'm looking for some honest input about operating costs of the Debbie. I've heard several different amounts from people who have both rented and owned Beechcraft planes.
Quite frankly, I've never flown a straight tail Bonanza and have few hours in older V-tail versions.
Most of my time has been in Cessna and Piper with only about 30 hrs TT in Beechcraft.
Quite frankly, the more I flew Piper, the better I like Cessna.
Now, however, I'm ready to quite my rambling and settle down to my own honey.
I figure I have about another 10-15 years of flying left, as I'm 63 so an older plane isn't out of the question and there are many Debonairs available and still in remarkably good condition.
Someone out there tell me the operating costs of one of these honeys. I have heard some terrible amounts and don't want another high-maintenance woman. I've had and gotten rid of one already.
I have all the information on Cessna I need so we can skip the comparison.

Welcome to BT!

Don't waste any time if you're 63. I bought an Arrow when I was 63 and ended up with bypass surgery less than a year later.

Operating cost will depend a lot on where you live. Urban areas run a lot higher.

Insurance 1800-2500/ yr
hangar ?
Annual inspection my V35B is running around $4000 per year but that always includes some "while you're in there" stuff (had an APU installed this year)
And then there are the upgrades, which can cost more than the airplane.
These TCM engines often require a top overhaul before they get to 1000 hours. A complete engine re-do runs $30-35K with a first class shop.

Most of these costs can be reduced if you have time to help with the annual and you can have an engine done by a good engine mechanic for a lot less. If you don't need a GPS approach, you can navigate just fine with VOR and ILS though you may want a backup for the air-driven AI/HI. And a portable GPS with XM weather for $35/month has great value IMO.

Another critical component is the condition of the airplane when you buy it. There are several members of this forum who will travel and inspect when you find a good candidate. You're often better off paying more up front for a plane that's been meticulously maintained than bottom-fishing unless you have the skills to do the catch-up work yourself.

One final point: when you start flying your new Deb, don't do touch and go landings. Full stop landings can save you a whole bunch of money.

Thank you Paul.
I agree that I may be closer to the end of my TBO than I think, but still do fly and am quite healthy to date; class 2 medical is no problem and although I fly with a waiver (only one eye), the other is still in good shape.
Ownership is still the goal here and if I get the right plane, selling it should be relatively trouble free except for the time consuming nature of it.
No doubt living in the DFW metroplex will make upkeep more expensive than in some areas, but there are a lot of Beech mechanics in this area. That, to me means dependablity.
Hangars are still $350.00/mo and quite available.
I have plugged in numbers for the insurance on various sites and they are all right in line with your estimation.
Thanks for the comments.